Munster Sign Young Centre Howard
Western Province centre Patrick Howard is set to join Munster Rugby on a three-month contract. The 22-year-old South African will join the province later in the month subject to passing the normal medical procedures.
Patrick Howard made his Western Province Currie Cup debut against Free State Cheetahs in August 2012 and has made 11 appearances in the competition.
The powerful back featured for the South Africa Under-20s in their 2012 IRB Junior World Championship title-winning campaign, where he lined out against an Ireland Under-20 side that included Munster’s JJ Hanrahan and Niall Scannell.
Yesterday Howard played 60 minutes for the 2014 Currie Cup-winning side as they took on Saracens in a challenge game at Allianz Park in London with the hosts winning out 46-22.
Due to knee injuries to Keith Earls and Cian Bohane, and the deferred arrival of Tyler Bleyendaal, Munster head coach Anthony Foley has called on the services of Howard to bolster the options available in midfield.
Commenting on the province’s latest signing, Foley said: “With players ruled out due to injury and a few other niggles, we want to make sure we have a full spread available to us before we enter the next crucial period and Howard can provide that additional support.”
Name: Patrick Howard
Position: Centre
Date of Birth: 27/03/92
Birthplace: Pietermaritzburg
Height: 187cm
Weight: 101kg